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Topic: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

I Just wanted all to know that SSDI should be applied for as soon as you start chemo and unable to work anymore. It takes about 2 hours to fill out the paper work or on line application. I guess I'm saying that if your unable to work due to pain ,sickness, anxiety, medications, memory problems from chemo and other meds. you should apply as it is money that you have payed in or credits earned for paying in during past the years. It is retroactive from date of application up to 12 months and could be a considerable amount. I have actually seen a few cases where people did not know or could not be bothered and lost 15-17 thousand dollars in retro back pay. It's primariy base on credits earned , date you became unable to work, and copy of medical records verifying condition. This disease and all of It's complication is enough to keep many from being able to work. My public announcement for the day.God Bless ,Jeff G.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Hi Edith ... You are absolutely correct. Yes it can be done over the phone but if you have a computer or live near a local office it is sometimes easier as I tried the telephone for days with extremely long waits and then never got through. What I actually did was go to the site of social security ( www.socialsecurity.gov )and printed off the actual application package and filled all in by hand and used their checklist to make sure I had everything they needed. I just wanted to mention that thereis two different programs SSI and SSDI. I personally did not qualify for SSI due to military retirement and my wife's income. However SSDI does not base approval on other household income but on credits I actually earned or payed in .Thanks Edith for mentioning that. God Bless,JeffG.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Hi Jeff, In my husband's case, after he submitted all the application forms, medical records, etc. , Social Security set up an appt. time over the phone which they were supposed to call him but he ended up calling them because we didn't find out that our land line was dead, a few minutes before his appt. (he power washed the house the day before). He didn't qualify for SSI because I was still working then but he and the girls received SSDI (got paid retro). I know it's hard, just dealing with this disease but I hope everybody will find some time to get all the financial resources that we are entitled to and Social Security is one of them! I've always wanted to say that being in the military is a big blessing! They took great care of my husband, medically and financially. Now that he's gone, the military is still taking care of me and the girls. They assigned a Financial Adviser who's going to work with me at their expense. (A great comfort but not when they make me a financial plan 'till I'm 90 yrs. old!)

I've been a great fan of yours since your first posting on this site. Your courage, determination and faith is unbelievable!

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

My husband just applied for SSDI this week and since he works for the government he applied for disability retirement last week. It's getting much harder for him to continue working and get feeling better or at least deal with symptoms away from a work environment. We previously were under the impression that he had to be not working for months before he could apply but they took his application. As soon as his disability retirement goes thru he won't be working. He's having blood work (CBC) done every week and had a CT scan Tuesday. Will see the oncologist Tuesday for latest results. He's having much pain etc. Thanks for keeping us all informed Best wishes Jeff with your new treatments. Cathy

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Recieved telephone call and letter of my SSDI already approved. Very quick. They basically said with a diagnosis of cancer of this type is approve due to the terminal prognosis. They asked me why I did not apply sooner. Well any hoot it's applied for and your payed retroactive up to 12 months max. from date you apply. They said I should see funds going directly to bank account within days. Well, I say we payed in to it we deserve to be paid out of it. I should have applied at least 3 years ago when I actually started treatments. Oh well.God Bless,Jeff G.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Glad you got yours Jeff G. I just wanted to add that SSDI was easy to get for my husband...he filled out the paperwork and the dr did his part with the prognosis. At the SS office they told my husband that first he would get a letter saying he did not qualify for SSI as I am still working and we have a family income...but then after that he would likely get an approval letter for SSDI and sure enough he did and it was four months retroactive. What the SSDI is for those who may not know, it is really getting your social security money now, so Tom is receiving what he would have received later after standard retirement age. He was diagnosed with unknown primary in May 06 and after his surgery of Jan 07 got a more defininite diagnosis of CC. But it is a relief to have this monthly check for him...he earned it since he started working around age 16. The paperwork we got said his case would be reviewed in 5 years...which was sad and funny at the same time as it's another way of saying "if you're still around, we will contact you." But he has been receiving SSDI for a year and a half now. So I guess they will contact him in 3 1/2 years. A long shot, but we can always hope. Even though it's upsetting to fill in the paperwork, getting the $ is worth it, gives you one little bit less worrying about as far as the bills go.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

I just submitted the online application for SSDI and previously had submitted the medical reports data. I dropped off all the test data, hospital reports, doctor reports, etc that I had collected since my wife, Lana, was diagnosed 12 Oct this year. It's important that everyone keeps a copy of test results and such. She is cashing in her small 401K as we await the disability income from SS.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Lisa...... Please do apply. It does not take that much of your time to get what your entitiled too. The day you started Chemo is enough reason to apply. The SSDI approval works extremely quickly with a diagnosis such as this. Less than 3 weeks from the day I applied I was approved and payment retroactive was in my bank account today. Don't torture yourself anymore than you have to. They will establish your retroactive payment base on when you stop working. I worked over seven years before I said to myself I'm entiled to a break after working and contributing for 30 years. If you feel you want to work to stay busy then that is surely an individual choice. Some people may not be financially in a position to quit work immediately. I guess it all adds up to how your retirement portfolio will support you and/or children. SSDI can figure your monthly entitlement.God Bless You!Jeff G.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Good for you girl! Remember to have an alternative plan to keep active as staying positive and motivated within your limits makes a big difference. I just started my own little business. My first little honey do job was today. I call my little business or I should say hobby, Disabled but Able (Minor Home Repairs). It's what I like to do and it's at my own pace and I still feel I can help someone and be useful. Helps my frame of mind tremendously.Bless ya!jeff G.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

my husband filed for SSDI last week and two days later recieved a letter denying the claim because he's still working and making too much. They said he could ask for an appeal within 60 days. Also, if he stops working within this time to let them know. They did not even look at the health problem when they saw he was working. Sure wish we would have known about applying when he was off work for surgery and Chemo. It's just that when youre going thru all that, the last thing you want to think about is filing paperwork. Wish we had though.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

CjFrancis... Sorry to here about your ordeal with SSDI, But unfortunately you have to be unable to work. I'm sure with the dx of terminal cancel would qualify your husband. He Just can't be physicall or mentally able to hold a job. I worked full time for quite a few years while DX as I felt I could. But now with all the treatments I just don't have the energy. It sounds like SSDI left the door open and I guess your husband needs to determine when he feels it getting to be to much for him to work. They just can't make a decsion if he is still working. Also remember SSI you will get a denial letter automatically if there is suffient income from all sources in house hold. I really think SSDI would most likely be approved, but you can't request disability income if you out bringing in the in come. Plus remember SSDI may not be close to what your husband is making. It is usual based on your last annual inconcome divided by 12, plus so much for andditional dependent children. It is difficult I'm sure as a lot of people don't have the nest egg to keep going until SSDI starts. Infact a big NY times article a few days ago talked about the backlog and appeals taking so long people have actually lost their homes. But a terminal illness/ DX put you ahead of the line I would think. Again it is all so individual. We all have different circumstances. Iwish you all the best whatever way you decide to go.God Bless,Jeff G.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Thank you for the information and advise. We didn't even apply for SSI just SSDI. We've been trying to save as much as possible anticipating the day he won't be able to work. CT scan came out good yesterday! Calcium and platelets are low and he now has irregular heartbeat. I know I have to give him time to know when its the time when he feels he can't work. Thank you again. Cathy

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Hi Cathy.... I just wanted to say, that is basically what we did is build up the litte nest egg abd then I Resigned stating health reasons. Also, I don't know if you saw my previous post, but with this DX you will go to the head of the line. I was approved with 12 months max retroactive from date of stopping work, All was done within 3 weeks and it only had to go in front of the disability and determination office , no judge or appeals involved. I'm sure the Judge signed off in the already determined approved pile of applications. There is such a shortage of judges for the long drawn out type of applicants. Also the hiring of more judges is tied up in congressional bill that the president refused to sign due to so many little other things trying to be stuck in with the Main Bill to be passed. Politics don't you just love it???Bless Ya!Jeff G.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

I have been reading this thread with great interest as I think I am at the point where I need to quit work. I work from home which certainly takes the commuting strain off, but I find myself unable to do what I should be doiing. My question to you smart people is what about medical insurance? what did you do about that?

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Hi, I know all states have different rules. We're in NC. Charlie's year since being disabled is almost upon us. His company will quit paying our family's health insurance and we'll be offered COBRA, which is about $1,000 a month to cover Charlie, me and our daughter who is in college (Sideline to Kris: I did find some "special circumstances" money at the college to pay for Sarah to continue). Our son is covered by a state program until he turns 18 next March. I don't know how it's all going to work out. We end up short already every month from Charlie's disability money. It's impossible to stretch it for 2 adults and 2 teenagers. Savings is gone. Our church and family's help out when they can. Sorry cdr to go off on a tangent. You MUST not let your insurance lapse whatever you do. That's how it is here. I've got to figure out how to come up with that extra money for ours. I lost my job last June right after we found out about Charlie's cancer. It's been a crazy year. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy in May. HA, guess Charlie can take care of me for a while this time. Don't let it lapse - something about insurability and you won't be insurable with your history. Hope this helps a little. I hope things are going well for you and your family.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Just a quick note to anyone dealing with SSDI and insurance. There are many twists and turns to this thing! You CAN work on SSDI up to a small limit of income. I had lost my medical insurance and was on Medicaid for a while, but when my SSDI started i was cut off that too. Just today I was put back on BECAUSE I work! Pretty unbelievable! The government programs that cover people like us are very convoluted. I just found one, "Freedom to Work" that allows me to work and still covers me with Medicaid insurance - I am in the two year waiting period to get MediCARE. I'm happy to tell anyone interested more about it if you email me.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Hi, just wanted to add our experiences with the medicaid spend down that they put you on for the first two years. You might think it pays for everything but it doesn't. The patient has to qualify every three months. And the approval process usually takes another three months. So you automatically run three months late on all you doctor and hospital bills. In order to quallify your bills for a one month period must be three times what your household income is for that month. With our medical bills and our lack of income thankfully John has qualified for every quarter. Another potential problem is medicaid has limits on how often they will pay for a procedure and a limit on howoften they will pay for ceritan blood work. unfortunatly, John has to have blood work done once a week. Medicaid won't pay for the last two months of last year. Also you must be vigilant about how the hospital processes the claims. If it is not processed properly medicaid will denie it. And if the billing department doesn't resubmit within the alloted time it becomes your responsibilaty. There are many more loopholes we've run into but this is getting long winded. Best of luck to all.Alice

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

I also applied for SSDI a few weeks ago. I haven't heard anything yet but keeping my fingers crossed. Had about 2 months of vacation pay to take, hope that doesn't slow it down. It's also complicated because I'm a shareholder employee of a corporation. I haven't worked in about a month and only very lightly before that. I hope that being an officer in the company doesn't make SSDI approval impossible. The way I see it now, my investment in the company is just like owning any other stock - an investment only and not emlployment. Anyone have experience with this?

I also see that you CAN work a little after approved for SSDI - up to $980 per month. That would be great to be able to go back a day a week or so and help out when chemo is done or feeling better. Anyone have experience with that - and did it cause any problems with your SSDI?

We really need this money to come in since I am not working. Keeping my fingers crossed..

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Rick, I have heard if you start working even part time, the first year, you can trigger a review, and loose it. I just started getting mine in April of 09 and would love to test the waters. Being home 24/7, mostly, is just not all its cracked up to be.

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

Jill,

The publication (cited below) states that for up to 9 months you can go back to work and still collect benefits. After those 9 months, it would be determine based on your earnings whether you continue to get some, all, or none of your beneifts. In 2009, you can earn up to $980 per month for up to 36 months and keep your full SSDI benefits. At least, this is how I read it!

If I am able to work a few days a month and earn maybe $500 per month then I very happy with that!

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

I just got the call that I was approved! They just need to get some information to get my daughter added which will pay a little bit more for disability benefit. Thank God that this did come through fairly quickly!

Re: Social Security Disability You can apply on line or local office

YEAH!!!! A good news day. Keep that good news coming.

THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME! Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHINGAny suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

The information expressed is not medical advice. The discussion boards are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers. Read the full disclaimer.